"YOUR LIVING ART"- A series of "hands-on" projects to accompany the 6^th Edition of LIVING WITH ART

The four projects on this web site are the actual ones assigned to my students who take the Art Appreciation course at Suffolk County Community College, Long Island, New York. The examples of the finished works of art are actual works done by some of my previous students. Typically students who take the Art Appreciation course at Suffolk County Community College take it as a core requirement of the college and have no art background whatsoever. The "Living With Art" textbook is used in conjunction with slide lectures, museum and/or gallery visits, essay writing, exams, and these projects along with group critiques. These four "hands-on" projects are introduced and executed in a chronological manner as is presented on this web site. After teaching this course for many years I am convinced that the creation of these works of art on behalf of each student provides them with a very positive learning experience and immeasurable benefits. Not only is each student introduced to working with an array of artist's materials but also each project provides a personal visual reinforcement of some of the basic tenets of art historical form and content. The projects are designed so that every student, regardless of prior artistic experience, can succeed. It is always very gratifying for me to see the pride and sense of accomplishment conveyed by my students upon the presentation of their 'final portfolios' at the completion of the course.

It must be noted that for me and for my students at Suffolk County Community College the chronological survey approach seems most viable. Since the College also requires our students to take a course on the history of western civilization, I believe that reinforcing a historical outlook in the Art Appreciation course enables the student to gain a tangible understanding of art trends My approach too is rather a modest one. All projects are within the two dimensional realm and reflect only some of the major developments of western art.

I offer my sincere admiration of and gratitude to all of my students in the many sections of Art Appreciation I have taught at Suffolk County Community College. Without their positive reinforcement, enthusiasm, and dedication these projects would not have become "Your Living Art." I also thank Dr. Sandra Susman Palmer, Chairperson of the Art Department at the Selden Campus of Suffolk County Community College for her constant support and encouragement.

Many thanks also, to Lisa Hermanson our expert photographer who patiently recorded all of the images of artwork and project procedures on this web site.

Bertha Steinhardt Gutman

August 2000.